The Gate House

The brief- to deliver a flexible home for family and guests- this clarity drove Andrew Patterson’s response and the resulting build form is defined by two barn-like structures. Nestled within Millbrook Resort, originally a sheep station, the farm vernacular is carefully prescribed to follow this simple form. The Gatehouse configuration is about accommodating lots of different people in different stages of their lives, whether its comfortable for two and have flexibility and expandability for others. The first and sightlier smaller of the two structures sits on the street-facing edge of the site and houses bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and living spaces as well as garaging and storage. Across a courtyard is the primary structure, which contains the main suite, additional bedrooms and a large open plan kitchen, dining and living area. A key feature of the gateway house, containing a portcullis – a historic architectural feature best described as a rising door or enclosed outdoor room typically found at the entry of Castles or Large rural estates. Not only is this contemporary portcullis visually exciting, it brings a heightened sense of protection and privacy to the courtyard and first, street-sided house. Everyone from the architect, interior designer and build team to subcontractors worked together with full oversight on a vision which has been delivered for one very happy client.